Olekina defends Ruto amid Narok International Airport criticism
By Emmanuel Rono, April 2, 2026Narok Senator Ledama Olekina has come to the defence of President William Ruto over criticism regarding the progress of Narok International Airport.
Taking to his official X account on Thursday, April 2, 2026, Olekina dismissed online claims that the president had misled Kenyans on the progress of the airport.
“Naysayers crying ‘President lied on Narok Int’l Airport. ‘ Let ‘em whine; WE Narok residents know the FACTS,” Olekina wrote.
Runway 60 per cent complete
He further challenged the social media critics to visit the site before passing judgment.
“Runway at 60 per cent complete. Heavy Feb/March rains made construction impossible. Terminal building? Narok County’s responsibility, not Ruto’s. None of you social media critics have even visited the site! Facts are stubborn. If you hate President Ruto, go ahead and get in line; you won’t change the facts, and you won’t be the first to hate on him,” Olekina said.
This comes following the Kenyans’ questioning of President Ruto’s infrastructure promise after he said in May 2025, that Narok International Airport would be ready in March 2026.
Launch of Narok Airport
The airport project was officially launched by President Ruto on May 6, 2025, following calls from Narok residents for improved access to the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, the county’s main tourist attraction. At the time, Ruto stated that the airport would expand tourism and create job opportunities for local youth.
He said the move to construct an airport in Narok will bolster tourism and business in the county, ultimately ending poverty.
“You need an airport because the Maasai Mara is an important place. You need an international airport here in Narok. Today, I am going to launch the construction of an airport in Narok. The county and national government will share the responsibility of the construction,” Ruto said.
“The national and county governments will both give half the money. We shall make sure that Narok becomes a tourist and business hub to reduce poverty.”